Our People

When joining a new organisation the team culture is an important factor in your decision. We’ve created a ‘biog’ of our people to talk about their visions for Children’s Services, the journey and what it’s like to work here.

Read their stories and find your future in Norfolk.

Wendy Thomson, Managing Director

Stories

I joined Norfolk County Council as an agency social worker in 2012. During this time Norfolk went through a difficult Ofsted inspection. It was following this that I started to notice a determination in the workforce to want to improve services for Norfolk’s children, young people and their families. My manager was resolute that our team would improve and worked with staff to find ways to achieve this. The managers were keen to promote staff development and it was this combined with the motivation of staff that convinced me a permanent post in Norfolk was the right choice.

5 years later and I’m still working in Norfolk. There is still that determination to keep improving our services for Norfolk’s children, young people and their families. The new structure is promoting early intervention and is enabling a smoother journey for the children and young people we work with. Norfolk is embracing a Signs of Safety Approach and this is helping to make it an exciting time to work in Norfolk and contribute to National research projects.

RM, Assistant Team Manager

Stories

Early Help is about engaging with children, young people, their families and communities at the first point of need and maximising opportunities for them to achieve their potential without the need for long-term support or intervention. Children and family needs are constantly changing and at different times in their lives they will have differing levels of involvement from a range of services, from universal, targeted and specialist support services.

Universal services are available to all children, young people and families, working with families to promote positive outcomes for everyone, by providing access to education, health services and other positive activities.

Targeted services focus on children, young people and families who may need support either through a single service or through an integrated multi-agency response. They work with families where there are signs that without support a child may not achieve good outcomes and fulfil their potential.

Specialist services focus on children, young people and families where there are specific needs or significant difficulties that need a specific or statutory response.

We are also working towards a Strategic Partnership with Barnardos to provide an integrated Edge of Care Service. The aim is to provide a dedicated, integrated service focused primarily on ensuring that more children and young people in Norfolk are fully supported to remain at home with their families, where it is appropriate and safe to do so. And also, that more children are supported to return home from care where appropriate

Sarah Jones, Assistant Director for Early Help & Prevention

Stories

I’m excited to be part of the early help team and looking forward to what the future holds. I have already seen the positive impact that early intervention has on the families we work with in Norfolk. Implementing an innovative way of working will always present challenges, I’m impressed with how our partners have engaged with us. There is a real sense of determination and teamwork across early help; not just Children’s Services staff but our partners in universal and early help services too.

GB, Family Practitioner

Stories

I returned to Norfolk in July 2015 as an agency Social Worker. I left Norfolk a few years ago to gain experience in different areas of the country. I returned to the West area in one of the front line teams. I have loved being in the West where there is a friendly atmosphere amongst the teams where all support each other. There is a fantastic team unity where everyone listens and support each another. I returned to Norfolk for personal reasons, however I have chosen to become permanent in the West as I enjoy being a part of a team who support each other through those challenging days.